by Andrea Kane
“I think I’ll get a cup of coffee.” Casey left the matter in Madeline’s hands. She knew what she had to do. “Madeline told me you’d be making a short speech in a few minutes. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that,” Jacob replied.
Casey headed toward the beverage station, leaving Madeline to her task and filing away the conversation she’d just had for later analysis.
“How did things go with Jacob Casper?” Claire murmured, joining Casey at the coffee urn.
“Interesting. More later. How about you? Any strong energy?”
“A few individuals stand out. Especially when Madeline is near them.”
“Then we’ll have lots to discuss at the office.”
Claire edged a glance to her right and laughed softly. “Emma is really working this. You’ve got to give the girl credit. She’s a talented little thing.”
“Yeah, like the Artful Dodger.” Casey followed Claire’s line of vision, and chuckled as she watched Emma ease a bit closer to her enamored target. “I think the guy is going to come in his pants.”
“I hope not. That might kill the objective.”
Their conversation was interrupted as Jacob made his way to the platform and tapped the mike that had been set up for him.
“Good morning, everyone,” he began. “We’re all here for the same reason—to honor the memory of Ronald Lexington. Ronald was an exceptional man, an exceptional husband and father and an exceptional hospital administrator. He had a way with people that drew them to him, including our patients, whom he cared deeply about. He wanted nothing more than to see people heal and our hospital to thrive.”
Jacob cleared his throat, his gaze flitting about with obvious discomfort. “This is a very difficult time at Manhattan Memorial. The upcoming merger is a bit unsettling. I know that Ronald had his reservations about it, and I respected those. But the realities of the health care industry have changed significantly since his death, and I feel certain that, at this point in time, he would have supported this merger for the benefit of all. As we move forward, we will keep his spirit alive. The combined strengths of Manhattan Memorial Hospital and New York Medical Center will be more profitable than the sum of its parts. We’ll be able to serve more patients faster and with better outcomes. All of that would mean the world to Ronald. I’m proud to have known and worked with him, and I’m proud to dedicate this beautiful courtyard in his name. Thank you.”
Jacob’s brow was dotted with sweat as he left the podium.
For a brief instant, there was dead silence. Then came a round of robotic applause—accompanied by drawn expressions, furrowed brows and frightened gazes.
“The negative energy here just went through the roof,” Claire said, stating the obvious as she clapped politely.
“I don’t blame these people,” Casey replied quietly. “That was more of a campaign speech than a heartfelt dedication. I’m sure Ronald Lexington was not a fan of Casper’s, nor would he be any more pro-merger now then he was three months ago. This situation is ugly.”
As she spoke, Casey caught Emma’s eye. A quick nod told Casey that part one of Emma’s job was done. Now their new team member was heading toward Madeline, who was beckoning her over to meet Jacob Casper.
Smooth sailing for their plan.
On to meeting Nancy Lexington and her kids. Then it would be chat time with the three people on Casey’s list.
Casey caught Madeline’s gaze, and Madeline nodded, excusing herself from the group of nurses she’d been chatting with—one gray-haired, seasoned-looking woman in her early sixties, one petite, dark-haired girl who didn’t look much older than Emma and one round-faced, smiling guy in his mid-thirties. Beneath their jackets, they were all in their uniforms and all in deep conversation.
“What’s the topic being discussed in that group?” Casey asked Madeline, once she’d made her way over. “It seems intense.”
“More of the same,” Madeline replied. “Fears about the merger. Everyone’s very anxious.” She sighed. “Dan and his wife are expecting a baby. Carolyn is a couple of years away from retirement and is terrified of being forced into it prematurely. And Diana is a young, fairly new hire, who figures she’ll be one of the first to go.”
“I feel for them.”
“So do I.” Madeline winced a bit. “The anticipation is deadly.”
“Do you need to leave?” Casey asked quickly. “You look like you’re in pain.”
“I’ll manage. I want you to meet Nancy, her kids and the three people I mentioned in our earlier conversation and put on my list—Dr. Sharon Gilding, Dr. Doug Wilton and Janet Moss.”
“I’m ready. But first, I have to ask you again—is there anyone here that you have problems with? Anyone who might have a motive to hurt you?”
A rueful smile. “I don’t know about hurting me. But you’re about to meet someone who dislikes me intensely.”
8
“NANCY LEXINGTON?” CASEY looked surprised.
“None other. She still blames Conrad for Ronald’s death. She’s never let it go. And maybe because we socialized together as couples or because of some other reason I don’t know about, she sees me as an extension of my ex-husband.”
“So she hates you, too. Interesting. I’m more eager than ever to have this introduction.”
“Let’s go.”
They walked up to the Lexington family, who were now standing alone in a unified group, in quiet discussion.
“Hello, Nancy.” Madeline’s smile was cordial but tight.
Nancy froze the instant she saw who was addressing her. “Madeline,” she said. “I’m surprised to see you attending the dedication ceremony.”
“I was very fond of Ronald, both personally and professionally. His presence in the hospital is deeply missed.”
“I agree. He had a great deal of life left to live. Unfortunately, it was cut short.” Nancy’s gaze flickered to Casey. “And you are...?”
“Casey Woods.” Casey extended her hand. “I asked Madeline to introduce us. She and I met through one of my business associates.”
Casey’s statement was a purposeful attempt to separate herself from Madeline so as to nip any guilt-by-association in the bud. The best way to behaviorally assess Nancy was to make sure their meeting was on unbiased terms. It would only cloud the process by having Nancy dislike her from the get-go.
“I’m a former patient and small benefactor of the hospital,” Casey said. “This was all fairly recent, so I didn’t know your husband. But from everything I’ve learned, he was a special man. I wanted to extend my belated condolences and to tell you how lovely the courtyard garden is.”
Nancy’s expression altered completely, and she shook Casey’s hand. Her grip was friendly, but her gaze kept edging toward Madeline, a bitter look in her eyes. “Thank you. Ronald was totally devoted to this hospital. It’s not the same here—or at home—without him.” She turned to gesture at her children. “These are my children, Ron and Felicia.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Casey turned from one to the other. “My condolences to you both, as well.”
“We appreciate that,” Felicia said. Her words were directed at Casey, but both she and her brother were eyeballing Madeline. They looked almost as thrilled to see her as their mother did. “We’re grateful for today’s overwhelming turnout. Our father was an extraordinary man. We miss him every day.”
“I’m sure you do.” Casey took a step backward. “I don’t want to intrude or to take up any more of your time. I just wanted to meet you, to pay my respects and to offer my gratitude. I received excellent, compassionate care at Manhattan Memorial.”
“That’s good to hear,” Nancy replied. “It was lovely to meet you.”
Not a word to or a glance at Madeline.
“Wow,” Casey murmured, giving a low whistle as she and Madeline retraced their steps. “That woman despises you. She bears looking into, as do her kids. Any other enemies you failed to mention?”
For the umpteenth time, Madeline searched the sea of faces.
“No one I can pick out,” she said truthfully. “If someone out there hates me, I don’t know about it.”
“Then that’s up to us to find out. In the meantime, let’s go meet Gilding, Wilton and Moss.”
* * *
Jacob Casper had separated himself from the crowd to scrutinize the scene between Nancy Lexington and Madeline Westfield. Now he scowled. This wasn’t a good sign.
He made his way over to Dr. Harold Majors, who was head of Manhattan Memorial’s psychiatric department.
“I was hoping this ceremony would appease her,” Jacob murmured, “but that doesn’t seem to be happening. I need to know how bad she is and how far she’d go to hurt the hospital.”
“As I’ve said, she’s not my patient, Jacob. All I can give you is an informal evaluation,” Majors replied.
“That’s all I need. Go over and chat with her. Figure out if she’s just stuck in the anger phase of mourning, or if she’s going off the deep end and becoming a major threat.”
Majors nodded. Waiting for the right time, he walked over to offer his condolences to Nancy Lexington.
* * *
Dr. Sharon Gilding was a piece of work, Casey noted. Attractive, blonde and as cold as her icy-blue eyes, she was in her mid-forties and reputed to be the best neurosurgeon in the hospital—and next in line for Conrad’s position if he weren’t able to fill it. She was also, like Conrad, a close friend of Ronald Lexington’s—although what he saw in her, Casey couldn’t fathom. No, that wasn’t true. If Ronald liked women as much as Casey had been hearing, then she could see him going after Sharon Gilding. Her looks were striking, and her figure was great. But her arrogance? Her haughtiness? Maybe Ronald liked a challenge.
Sharon Gilding’s arctic stare moved from Madeline to Casey as Madeline introduced them. Her eyes shot daggers at Madeline, but she inquired politely about her health, and then turned and shook Casey’s hand.
“I’ve seen news flashes about Forensic Instincts on TV,” she said. “Congratulations on your well-earned success.”
“Thank you.” Casey could feel Sharon’s dislike for Madeline even when she wasn’t addressing her. “From what I understand, neurosurgery is one of the most complex areas of medicine. You must be very talented.”
“My career is my life. And yes, I’m exceptional at what I do. The human brain is the most fascinating organ in the body. It controls every nerve and motor function.” A tight smile. “I could go on, but the complexity of it would probably bore you.”
Wow, did this woman come on strong. Then why did Casey sense that she was protecting herself in some way?
“I hear you’re second in line for chief of surgery.” Casey went for blunt and fast, wanting to see Sharon Gilding’s undisguised reaction. “What happens if Conrad Westfield comes back and accepts the job?”
Surprise mingled with something else shot across the neurosurgeon’s face. “Then I continue doing what I’m doing,” she responded, schooling her features. “Conrad is a genius in his field. He deserves the position as much as I do.”
“That’s very magnanimous of you.” Casey softened her words with a smile. “Clearly you respect talent in all areas of the medical field.”
“I do.”
“Were you and Ronald Lexington friends?”
Sharon’s shoulders lifted. “We were good colleagues. Ronald discussed administrative issues with me, and I kept him up to date on surgical issues. He was fascinated by every aspect of this hospital, medical or otherwise. I admired his commitment. So yes, we spent time together—as much time as I could spare.” She glanced at her watch. “Speaking of which, I really have to be going. I have to be in surgery in an hour.”
“Of course.” Casey nodded. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She was already walking away.
“That was interesting,” Casey murmured.
“Yes, Sharon is never one for diplomacy,” Madeline replied.
“She dislikes you.”
“She dislikes everyone.”
Casey stifled a grin. “Who’s next on the list?”
“Doug Wilton. He’s in cardio with Conrad, although he’s a cardiologist, not a surgeon. He was one of Conrad’s and Ronald’s golfing buddies. He’s pretty plugged into what goes on at the hospital, but he’s also a good guy.”
“I could use a good guy after Dr. Gilding.”
As it turned out, Madeline was right. Doug Wilton was a good guy. He chatted with them about both Ronald and Conrad, and told funny stories about their golfing excursions.
“Ron and I didn’t spend much time together at the hospital. But we had a hell of a good time outside these walls. He had a big heart. I miss him. As for Conrad...” He paused, visibly upset. “I consulted with him on almost every one of my cases. He was an invaluable asset, to me and to the hospital. I can’t tell you how much I hope he’ll be back. Losing Ron was personally painful for me. Losing Conrad would be devastating.”
“I hope it won’t come to that,” Madeline said.
“So do I,” Doug responded. He didn’t look surprised by Madeline’s compassion for her ex. Casey wondered how much he and Conrad had discussed Madeline—and if Doug had any reason to dislike her.
Casey tucked that thought into the bears-further-investigation category.
Once that conversation was over, Madeline led Casey over to Janet Moss, who was the assistant to the hospital administrator, and probably a walking wealth of information.
“Janet has been here for years,” Madeline confirmed in a whisper as they neared her. “She worked closely with Ronald, and she works closely with Jacob. She knows everything that goes on in the administrative offices.”
“A good person to talk to.” Casey gave Janet Moss a quick once-over. About average height. Slender. Chestnut-brown hair worn in a simple chignon—one that might look too dressy for work on most women, but one that Janet pulled off with utter grace. High-styled eyeglasses that said designer. Not a lot of makeup, but well-applied and far from cheap. A put-together, professional woman who’d clearly worked her way up to making a decent salary, consistent with Madeline’s description.
“Madeline, hi.” Janet caught a glimpse of her out of her peripheral vision and turned away from the group of people she’d been talking to so that she could speak to her. “How are you feeling?”
Her tone and expression were concerned. She did shoot a curious glance at Casey, but that was to be expected. Janet was a woman who knew everyone in her hospital, and Casey was not one of those people.
“I’m on the mend,” Madeline was replying with a small smile. Actually, Casey noted, Madeline looked as though her energy level was fading. Just this one meeting, then Casey was taking her home.
“Thank you again for the beautiful floral arrangement,” Madeline continued. “Just looking at all those vivid colors made lying on the sofa, doing nothing, more pleasant.”
“I’m so glad you liked them,” Janet replied. “I wish I could have done more.”
“It’s not necessary. I’m really fine.” Having caught Janet’s second questioning glance in Casey’s direction, Madeline turned and made the introductions.
“No wonder you look familiar.” Janet was visibly impressed as she shook Casey’s hand. “Your picture’s been in the newspapers and on TV. Your investigative firm—Forensic Instincts, right?—has been in the limelight. Wow. It’s good to meet you.”
“Good to meet you, too.” Casey smiled. “I hear you hold the administrative wing of the hospital together.”
Janet chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far. But I’ve been in the administrative wing for nineteen years. Before that, I did clerical work for four different departments in the hospital. I hate to say it because it ages me, but I’ve worked at Manhattan Memorial for twenty-six years.” A teasing grin. “Since I was twelve.”
Casey laughed with her. “Well, if it matters, you certainly don’t look old enough to have worked anywhere for that long.”
“Makeup is magic.”
“How true.” Casey was ready to get down to business. “Jacob Casper seems, in a very short time, to have a firm grip on his job and on the upcoming merger. That’s pretty impressive, considering the big shoes he had to fill. You worked for both him and Ronald Lexington. Is there a big difference in their styles?”
Janet looked a little wary, as well she should. Casey was asking an inside question.
“They each have their own strengths,” she answered diplomatically. “Jacob is the hospital’s future. But Ronald cared equally as much. Both men are and were totally committed to their jobs and powerful advocates for the hospital.” She steered the conversation to safer ground. “I do have a soft spot for Ronald. He gave my daughter a job here. She had several offers, but selfishly, I love having her close by.”
“I don’t think I met your daughter,” Casey replied.
“She’s over there.” Janet pointed at the group Madeline had been chatting with earlier. “Diana.”
“Oh.” Casey remembered the pretty young woman. Madeline had said she was a fairly new hire, and afraid of losing her job once the merger was finalized.
“She’s a circulating nurse,” Janet said. “She graduated at the top of her class, specialized in surgical nursing and then earned her registered nurse license and her operating-room nurse certification at a ridiculously young age. Ronald hired her about six months before he passed away. He felt strongly about that decision—even more so as Diana proved herself. Jacob feels the same way. Diana is a very talented young woman—and I’m not just saying that because she’s my daughter.”
